funkyweddingvenues.com

Burlesque Baby

2009-03-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Burlesque Baby Review

London's premier agency of burlesque artists for corporate events and private parties around the world.

Hen parties, burlesque classes and classy corsetted waitress for corporate events.

Evento Divertido

2009-03-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Event Divertido Review

Evento Divertido provide on site entertainment for corporate and personal events and parties. Evento Divertido do on site moving picture cards – up to 150 personalized cards per hour.
Visit their website now and watch their videos! It’s new, original and great fun! www.eventodivertido.com/en/home

Beyond Boyle

2009-03-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

Beyond Boyle Review

Beyond Boyle offer uniquely organised events and private dining to create individual occasions. We provide inspirational meeting spaces to enrich conversation and nourish relationships through shared cooking and eating experiences.

Beyond Boyle creates opportunities for homeless and venuerable people through inspirational work placements and training that motivates them into exciting employment possibilities.

To You and Beyond - Iconic Food Experiences. Beyond Boyle can now cater for events of any size from creating dinner parties at guests homes to live cooking at award ceremonies and dinners. Nothing fazes us, in fact we love to stamp our mark on exciting events, always making it an iconic food experience that people will talk about.

Beyond Boyle specialise in bespoke parties, weddings, family get togethers and large and small corporate events creating bespoke menus tailored to clients needs – Beyond Boyle love to be challenged!

Shoreditch House

2009-03-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Shoreditch House Review

Character: Chic and comfortable members’ club that’s now a byword for urban cool.

Funky Features: Roof-top swimming pool with panoramic views across east London, vast windows, bowling alley, chic Shoreditch location, late licence, open log fires, warehouse style fixtures.

Location and History
Part of the Soho House Group, Shoreditch House is situated on Ebor Street in trendy Shoreditch. This private members’ club is within easy walking distance from Liverpool Street and Old Street Stations as well as being near to most major bus routes. It is the ideal location for an urban wedding reception.

Interior and Spaces for Hire
A discreet entrance to Shoreditch House houses a cool and modern reception area and cloakroom for guests. There are three unusual spaces available for exclusive hire to non-members of Shoreditch House – Biscuit Tin, Biscuit Pin and the Roof Top Bar, Kitchen & Lounge.

The Biscuit Tin: The Biscuit Tin is a versatile events space. The vast windows allow light to flood through the space, which is equipped with comfy seating, chairs and tables (which can be moved to suit). The area is equipped with Sony presentation and AV making it a perfect space for dinners, wedding receptions and engagement parties seven days a week.

Equipped with DJ facilities and its own bar, the Biscuit Tin is also a perfect party venue and ideal for a branding event. Live bands are also welcome.
Capacities: 120 Stand-up reception, 70 Sit-down dinner, 100 finger / fork food. Room Dimensions: L 14.5m , W 10.5m.

Biscuit Pin: The Biscuit Pin is a cool retro-style, two-lane bowling alley with its own bar, DJ decks and chill-out area. Available for private hire throughout the week and on weekends (day and evening), this can be used in conjunction with the adjacent Biscuit Tin or in its own right.
Capacities: Up to 40 people for drinks and bowling. Room Dimensions: L 6.5m, W 10.5m

The Roof Top Bar, Kitchen & Lounge: Available to rent October through to March, Monday to Wednesday, Roof Top Bar, Kitchen & Lounge offers stunning panoramic views across East London. The pool and skyline are lit up beautifully in the evening, making a stunning backdrop for your event. Weather proofed by a retractable glass roof, the Bar, Kitchen & Lounge features a large open fire so whatever the weather, this space is perfect for a lunch, dinner, drinks or canapé receptions.
Capacities: 160 Sit-down lunch/dinner, 200 Stand-up reception. Room Dimensions: L 16.7m, W 13.5m

Cocoon

2009-03-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Cocoon Review

Character: Regent Street’s collision of futuristic design, cocktails and ancient Pan-Asian cuisine.

Funky Features: Interlocking Cocoons, fresh rose petal filled tables, sushi master classes, cocktail and champagne lounges, ‘Late Lounge’ transformation.

Location and History
The stunning Stephan Dupoux designed space, overlooking the vibrant buzz of Regent Street offers the flexibility to bring to life a truly diverse range of event ideas. Cocoon has played host to a wide array of the most exclusive film and music after show parties, fashion shows, corporate and product launches including Sarah Jessica Parker’s latest perfume.

Interior and Spaces for Hire
The Award winning Cocoon is an attractive futuristic venue with a strong concept and an interior consisting of a central walkway moving through six interlocking cocoons, with two lounge bars, two sushi counters with a master Sushi chef and a private dining room. Each Cocoon surrounds you in cream leather, warm tones and soft lighting.

Cocoon shows a deep respect for the ancient cooking techniques of Japan, China and Thailand, and lets you experience the most contemporary of Pan-Asian inspired dishes and offers canapés, A la Carte, Set and Buffet Menus. Dine on a fresh rose petal filled table, eating expertly prepared Sushi or sashimi selected specially by the chef, or choose one of the sublime starters and main courses including the delicious Scallop sui mai with chilli soy dressing and Beef bulgogi served with wild mushrooms and green peppercorn raita.

After your meal you can indulge in a champagne cocktail from the vibrant champagne bar and cocktail lounge, taste the oriental twist in the Jasmine Fizz, fused with fresh passion fruit pulp & champagne with a touch of fragrant jasmine or enjoy a bit of luxury in a glass with Kikuchi Spring Punch made with shaken kikusui sake, fresh raspberries & lemon, topped with champagne & crowned with cassis.

When the clock strikes 11 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night the restaurant transforms into a chic ‘Late Lounge’, where the DJ spins a mixture of funky house grooves and chill out tunes, and their late licence until 3am ensures all guests can relax undisturbed into the early hours.

Cocoon is a unique venue that can be exclusively hired for parties and events. They can cater for up to 400 guests for drinks and canapés or 180 for a la carte dining. Each Cocoon can be hired individually to cater for 50 guests for cocktails and canapés or 30 guests for dinner, complete personal waiting staff and sommelier. The unconventional design means that the Cocoons can be easily linked to create a larger space for events with 50-200 guests.
Their private dining room discreetly tucked away in the last Cocoon seats up to 14 guests and provides a perfect environment for breakfast meetings, business lunches or intimate dinner parties.
Cocoon’s lavish Cocktail and Champagne Lounges can accommodate up to 50 guests and can be hired for private functions and events, the Lounges offer the exquisite atmosphere for champagne and canapé parties, allowing guests to enjoy the complete Cocoon experience, even offering a sushi master class, so you can take the Cocoon magic home with you.

Beyond Boyle @ All Hallows

2009-03-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Beyond Boyle @ All Hallows Review

Character: Relaxed and contemporary venue with rich and deep history.

Funky Features: Private garden area, great food available from Beyond Boyle, patio and barbecue area, late licensed bar area, on-site professional kitchen, internal access to All Hallows Church (the oldest church in the City of London).

Location and History
All Hallows, by the Tower lives up to its name. It’s right next to the Tower of London. Easily accessible by tube and DLR, it’s a short walk through Trinity Square Gardens (just head for the church spire) just to the left of the church. The venue is right in the centre of the City but nicely secluded from the tourist traffic.

Beyond Boyle, established in 2000 was set up by Simon Boyle as a business with a social mission. It creates opportunities for homeless and vulnerable people through inspirational work placements and training that motivate them into exciting employment possibilities. All Hallows is a showcase venue for the special catering skills championed by Beyond Boyle.

Interior
A side pathway leads you along the side of All Hallows Church and into the contemporary glass building. Flooded with natural light, its contemporary character enhanced by modern hanging bulb lights, this bar area is great for parties, whatever the weather. An adjoining patio style area extends into the lush gardens, a good space for summer barbecues.

The fully licensed bar is situated in front of a professionally equipped kitchen area. Guests can get involved in the cooking if they so wish or can sit back and watch the professionals do their job.

A unique aspect of the building is that it has direct internal access to All Hallows Church A hallway area complete with cloakroom provides access to the stunning interior of what is the oldest church in the City of London.

Spaces for Hire
When hired in its entirety, the bar and dining area can cater for 70 people for a sit-down dinner and 120 for stand-up receptions. All Hallows by the Tower is perfect for drinks and canapé receptions, barbecues and private dining events or for special ‘interactive cooking and eating experiences’ which can be arranged.

In the past gigs and concerts have taken place in the church with receptions and after-show parties in the adjoining event space. The building also lends itself to banquet-style dinners. Simon Boyle and his event team are always up for a challenge so almost anything is possible.

Beyond Boyle @ All Hallows by the Tower is now open Monday to Friday for lunchtime sittings between 12pm and 2.30pm. It is also available for hire at other times for private dining occasions and other events. The venue is perfect for all manner of informal and formal meetings, workshops, cook schools and parties.

Saatchi Gallery

2009-03-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

Saatchi Gallery Review

Character: A unique blank canvas space with a contemporary edge.

Funky Features: Most talked about new event space of 2009, a magnificent 70,000 sq. foot of clean, stunning gallery space , 1,500 capacity for drinks reception or dinner, contemporary art providing an inspirational backdrop to your event, series of 14 blank canvasses available.

Location and History
Located in the heart of Chelsea, the recently opened Saatchi Gallery occupies the Duke of York’s building and includes three floors of interlinking areas which can host events from 50 to 1,500 people available for both day and evening hire.

Interior and Spaces for Hire
With fourteen galleries in total, each boasts high ceilings and striking wooden floors. Being a grade two star, listed building, the Gallery combines a traditional exterior with modern and minimalist interior offering an ideal blank canvas for production or an elegant setting for a wedding reception or engagement party.

The space has played host to a variety of events, from formal sit down dinners to large reception parties.

Client portfolio already includes UBS, Universal, Allen & Overy, Matthew Williamson, Unilever, Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Bank of Scotland, Clearchannel, Pru Health & Crafts Council.

Wilton's Music Hall

2009-03-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

Wilton's Music Hall Review

Character: Grand but faded Victorian music hall with offbeat charm.

Funky Features: Breathtaking and dramatic auditorium; famed as the oldest surviving music hall in the world.

Location and History
This Grade-II* listed venue may be the last of the hidden secret architectural treasures in the capital. Built by John Wilton in 1858, the front of the building was the elegant Prince of Denmark pub, then famous as the most glamorous bar in the East End due to the mahogany fixtures in the public house. Wilton built his stunning theatre in the garden.

In its heyday, 1500 people would cram into the auditorium to hear the top acts. The music hall closed in 1884 and was taken over by the Methodist Church in 1885 and becoming known as the Old Mahogany Mission. In 1936, the theatre was HQ to the anti-Mosleyites in the Battle of Cable Street. In 1964 Sir John Betjeman started a campaign to save the theatre from demolition and Wiltons received grade II* status. It reopened as a theatre and performance centre in 2004

Interior
Much of the Wilton’s Music Hall’s beauty and glamour live on, albeit in a shabby-chic state, the place having served as a refuge, rag warehouse and playhouse over the years. Graces Alley, an unassuming back street leads to a front door that reveals layers of paint and an open hallway beyond it paved in slate flagstones. Step inside and you find yourself in a charmingly dilapidated space its brickwork exposed, its plasterwork ancient. A plaque dedicated to Wiltons by his wife hangs on the wall in the hallway.

Spaces for Hire
From the hallway, you can access the bar on one side (complete with kitchen facility for catering purposes, seating 60) which features reclaimed furniture in tune with the period character of the building. The second room off the hallway is of similar size and dimensions and can act as a cloakroom or small dinner venue, and features signature brickwork and wooden flooring dating from the 1930s.

The jewel in the crown is the breathtaking auditorium: This remains incredibly intact - the original cast iron ‘barley sugar’ pillars (purloined apparently from a cruise ship) support a papier-mâché balcony and decorative arches. These sit beneath in a vaulted roof, complete with its original stucco roses. The paintwork is more recent though executed in keeping with the rest of the hall. Altogether Wilton’s is dramatic and unforgettable, perfect for wedding receptions and engagement parties. (150 seated, 180 standing for acoustic reasons).

The venue can provide a recommended list of suppliers and performers from cabaret, DJ’s and jazz trios.

Parkstead House

2009-03-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Parkstead House Review

Character: Traditional yet modern Grade I listed Georgian Villa.

Funky Features: Stunning views of Richmond Park, designed for the 2nd Earl of Bessborough in the early 1760s by Sir William Chambers, a choice of six beautiful rooms for civil ceremonies, domed ceilings, arches and pillars, 250 en-suite bedrooms, state-of-the-art lecture theatres, vast landscaped grounds.

Location and History
Grade I listed Parkstead House has been beautifully restored to accommodate events. This stunning Georgian villa was designed for the 2nd Earl of Bessborough in the early 1760s by Sir William Chambers, who was also the architect for Somerset House and the Pagoda at Kew Gardens. The Earl commissioned Chambers to design a Palladian style villa to display his antique sculpture collection and entertain guests away from the hustle and bustle of central London.

Parkstead House is situated just off the A306, Roehampton Lane between the A3 and the A205 South Circular (Upper Richmond Road). From Barnes Mainline Station (connects with trains from Clapham Junction, Waterloo, Staines, Windsor or trains coming into Waterloo from the South West). Parkstead House is approximately 20 minutes walk away or a short bus ride on either bus No 72 (towards Roehampton) or bus No 265 (towards Tolworth).

Interior and Spaces for Hire
The flexibility of Parkstead House enables couples and wedding planners to tailor their weddings and engagement parties to suit their needs with a wide choice of rooms and acres of outdoor space.

The main House, which is a Grade I listed Georgian Villa, has a suite of five beautifully decorated rooms which are ideal for civil ceremonies and receptions.

Parkstead House is a romantic setting for weddings. They offer a choice of six stunning rooms for civil ceremonies which can hold between 15 to 100 guests. For evening receptions the stunning Manresa Hall is suitable for dinner dances up to 150 guests. For larger numbers there is also the option to have a marquee in the grounds.

Stepping out onto a balcony with stunning views of Richmond Park, you are met with vast grounds suitable for marquees, teambuilding events and BBQs. In addition, the Manresa Hall with majestic domed ceilings, arches and pillars is a unique room which can accommodate receptions, and dinner dances.

There is also a stylish modern bar for a more informal evening receptions and buffets.

Whether you are looking for a traditional or modern venue - Parkstead House really does have it all!

The Tramshead

2009-03-18T06:10:00.001-07:00

The Tramshead Review

Character: Industrial edged blank canvas space rooted in history.

Funky Features: Located in trendy Shoreditch, 11,000 square feet of blank canvas potential, good transport connections.

Location and History
Only a three minute walk to Old Street Tube, The Tramshed is ideally located in the heart of the Shoreditch Triangle, London’s hotspot for creativity and nightlife. Originally an electricity generating station, the main hall dates back to 1905.

Interior and Spaces for Hire
11,000 square feet (1,022 square metres) of blank canvas potential spans over three floors. This gorgeous, flexible space is ideal for fashionable soirees, product launches and art events.

The Tramshead

2009-03-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Absolut Icebar London & Belowzero Restaurant

2009-03-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Absolut Icebar & Belowzero Restaurant

Character: The coolest bar in the UK

Funky Features: Central location, ABSOLUT ICEBAR, the UK’s only bar made of crystal clear ice and kept at a constant -5 degrees centigrade all year round, mixology and ice sculpting masterclasses available, husky dogs available to greet your guests,
an exquisite range of menus.

Location and History
belowzero, home to the world famous ABSOLUT ICEBAR, is one of London’s most unique event spaces and offers both private and corporate clients a truly versatile environment in which to host a wide variety of events.

Interior and Spaces for Hire
With a total capacity of 270 belowzero is ideal for product launches, dinners, receptions, after-show parties, meetings, teambuilding events and even weddings. The venue is split into three areas - the Wolf Bar, Reindeer Lounge and Moose Dining Room - which can be hired together or individually, with an exquisite range of menus ideal for all event and dining styles.

To make your event particularly special, belowzero offers a wide range of services including mixology and ice sculpting masterclasses, wine tastings, bespoke theming, complimentary event production and even husky dogs to greet your guests. They also cater for all types of business meetings with their new and competitive Day Delegate (DDR) service.

To leave your guests with simply the coolest impression, combine your event with the unique experience of a visit to ABSOLUT ICEBAR, the UK’s only bar made of crystal clear ice and kept at a constant -5 degrees centigrade all year round.

Available Spaces & Capacities
Seated: Standing:
Moose Dining Room (Basement Level): 66 100

Reindeer Bar (Basement Level): 25 45

Entire Basement (Reindeer & Moose): 91 180

Wolf Bar (Street level): 36 70

ABSOLUT ICEBAR LONDON N/A 60

Entire Venue (Venue Buy-Out) N/A 270

William IV

2009-03-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

William IV Review

Character: An old school charming pub with a welcoming atmosphere.

Funky Features: The whole pub can be hired for exclusive use, located in Hoxton, wifi, projector and large pull down screen available, serves great British food and drink.

Location and History
Located in Hoxton, William IV is a stones’ throw from Old Street and Angel tube stations. William IV is a traditional London boozer with a contemporary twist. The all white interior is fresh and unique and with the excellent service, friendly faces and professional staff the atmosphere is undoubtedly homely and cosy, no more so than when the real log fires are lit and roaring.

Interior and Spaces for Hire
The Geography Room, with the old maps and old schoolroom feel offers another atmosphere again. Many launches, parties and events have been held in this room. The wifi, projector and large pull down screen makes this the ideal room for many businesses to host corporate themed events such as meetings, training and team building. A great alternative to the office.

The Private Dining Room is unique in it’s intimacy. Great for smaller dinner parties of up to 12, this room is also used for smaller business and lunch meetings.

The whole pub can be hired for exclusive use, it lends itself perfectly for casual, intimate and relaxed wedding receptions.

William IV has hosted many successful weddings, beautifully delivered by the long standing, dedicated team at William IV.

The Halkin

2009-03-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

The Halkin

Character: Hotel and restaurant with stunning Belgravian views and private rooms.

Funky Features: Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, Nahm, Conservatory Suites available for private hire, latest technological facilities.

Location and History
The Halkin in London’s Georgian Belgravia is centrally located – minutes from Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Piccadilly. Quietly restrained, promising poised service, chic interiors and subtle glamour, it reflects the very essence of five-star living with Michelin-starred cuisine and sophisticated detailing.

It is also one of London’s most discreet addresses for private dining, intimate wedding celebrations and small business events. Nahm, the award-winning Thai restaurant, can be hire in its entirety or alternatively for smaller groups, there is a private dining room. Both are steeped in sunlight with floor-to-ceiling windows.

More intimate events, take place in the Halkin’s sleek and spacious suites. The Conservatory suites offer undisturbed views over Belgravia and are perfect for brunch-style entertaining or cocktail receptions of up to 12 guests.

The Halkin offers an extraordinary culinary experience. Reserve Nahm, the only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in its entirety or for something more unusual host your guests at one of Nahm’s Master Cookery Classes.

The main restaurant at Nahm is available for larger groups of up to 60 guests but there is also an intimate Private Dining Room that can cater for up to 30 guests.

Menus are served in the traditional style of a Thai banquet, with many dishes to share and experience creating a naturally social environment. Consultations are available with Matthew Albert, our Head Chef, to help you choose a special menu.

For something more unique, small groups of up to eight can reserve an exclusive Master Cookery Class with Matthew Albert at Nahm. There are a variety of classes available throughout the year including;

• Curries
• Grilled Dishes & Stir Fries
• ‘Preparing a complete meal

Each class lasts half a day with demonstrations and interaction culminating in the class dining together over lunch with the food that they have prepared.

For those wishing to extend their stay, The Halkin has organised for a complimentary overnight stay for the host of an occasion (terms apply).

For discreet business style meetings, the private dining room at Nahm can be configured in various formats ranging from boardrooms events to presentations. The flexibility in design, is paired with all the latest technological facilities, including high-speed internet access and a PA system.

The Duchess

2008-12-11T04:03:00.000-08:00

Character: Relaxed pub boasting fantastic views over Battersea Power Station

Funky Features: Free House with extensive list of vodka, rum and bourbon, delicious food, balcony with views overlooking Battersea Power Station, eclectic mix of antique and contemporary furniture, large windows, vintage and retro artworks, birdcage crisp holders, large patio area, grand open fireplaces, AV equipment, disco ball, DJ booth, Wifi.
Location and History

The Duchess is easily accessible as it is a stones’ throw of Battersea and Wandsworth overland stations, as well as Pimlico and Vauxhall tube stations and via major bus routes. The Duchess has attracted many a famous face since its’ makeover in 2007 including actress Billie Piper, who had a party to celebrate her birthday and the cast of the ITV television series, ‘Prime Evil’, who had their rap party there. Established actor Jason Flemyng has also been known to ‘own’ the legendary pub quiz.
Interior and Spaces for Hire

The Duchess prides itself on being a free house with an extensive list of fine vodka, rum, whisky and bourbon, including Oban 14 Year old single malt whisky and Black Cherry Ultimate Igloo flavoured vodka. The kitchen offers delicious food where you can choose from main courses such as Corn fed chicken breast, butternut squash with spinach & potato mash with red onion gravy to canapé plates of duck supreme with wild mushroom compote or sweet potato discs with scallop & pea puree.

There is a distinct relaxed pub atmosphere which spans over the two levels of the pub, encouraged by the bohemian collection of furniture, open fireplaces, LED lighting and fusion of artwork including a Pink Floyd Animals poster and antique chaise-longue. AV equipment is also available upstairs and down whilst upstairs can accommodate a DJ with a dancing floor and disco ball – perfect for wedding receptions.

The unique view of Battersea Power Station makes for a fantastic party backdrop. To take full advantage of this, the private room upstairs has an adjoining large balcony overlooking the grand landmark.

Capacities: The private room is suitable for 80 Stand-Up Reception / 40 Sit-Down Dinner. The whole pub is available for hire for up to 200 Stand-Up Reception.

The Union Club

2008-12-04T05:11:00.001-08:00

Character: Eclectic, rich, cosy and charming Georgian town house

Funky Features: Central London location, listed Georgian town house, characteristic, bohemian and contemporary interior, crystal chandeliers, open fireplaces, English country house style cuisine, eclectic art collection, moose head.
Location and History

Set in the centre of Soho, deep in the heart of London’s media and theatre land, The Union occupies a 270 year old, listed Georgian town house. The building itself has an interesting past, previously being used as a family home, brothel and gallery before opening as The Union in 1993.

Today, the Union Club is a lively private member’s club, popular with media and creative types for business meetings, informal drinks and castings, business lunches, wedding receptions and afternoon tea or cocktails by the fire. Equidistant from Oxford Street, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus tube stations it is the perfect central London location.
Interior and Spaces for Hire

Time, love and wit have been employed to conceive an interior that is both contemporary and bohemian. No nook or cranny escapes the unmistakable Union style. The whole club is available to hire in its entirety so is ideal for a wedding reception or engagement party where a buffet can be served on both floors for up to 100 people, or dinner in the dining room with a reception in the Ground Floor Bars. The whole club can also accommodate up to 180 people for a Stand-Up Reception.

1st Floor Restaurant: The dining room is elegant and airy boasting beautiful crystal chandeliers and wood panelling: the home to grand mirrors and an eclectic art collection. An array of unique glass bottles line the inviting rustic open fireplaces which frame the decadent dining room, ideal for tables of up to 60 people. All these elements combine to create a unique atmosphere where diners can escape from today’s frosty minimalism.

Ground Floor Bars: With tables gathered around an open fire, the front bar can be enjoyed for intimate dining or drinks with friends. The rear bar is furnished with comfy sofas, eclectic artwork and retro lighting. The ground floor bars are cosy and inviting, tastefully blending antique and modern design to create an inspiring yet relaxing place – an ideal example being a large wall mounted moose head juxtaposing the art deco hanging lights. The bars can accommodate up to 130 people for a Stand-Up Reception.

1st floor Library Room / Meeting Room: The Library Room is an exquisite, plush and colourful oasis adorned with mirrors and a mix of artwork with grand book cases displaying a vast selection of books. This welcoming informal space allows in plenty of daylight and boasts its own private terrace. A large circular table and comfortable sofa seats up to 15 people and is an ideal place for photo shoots, lunches, dinners and intimate parties. There is a small widescreen TV in the room that has a built in DVD with USB connection.

Upbeat Event Design

2008-12-03T02:46:00.000-08:00

Upbeat Event Design, part of the Global Infusion Group, has more than 20 years experience catering for some of the most amazing events around the world in some of the most unusual locations.

The logistical expertise gained through years of catering for high profile tours, roadshows, corporate events and elite private parties is crucial in the delivery of tailored menus created to meet the requirements of each individual event.

If required, we can set up temporary kitchens just about anywhere to provide fresh and exciting food for any event, using locally sourced suppliers wherever possible. Upbeat have a meticulous approach to events ensuring nothing is left to chance…from the inspiring canapé trays to the floral architecture, the bespoke table settings to the strong relationships forged with carefully selected suppliers.

Food is their passion and creating extraordinary experiences is our business.

tel +44 01923 211 702

funky@upbeateventdesign.com
www.upbeateventdesign.com

10% Off Wedding Entertainment Booking with H2oh!

2008-11-28T02:25:00.001-08:00

From choreographing the perfect first dance, to keeping your guests amazed and entertained, H2oh! Entertainment will ensure that the memories of your special day will last a lifetime. Download the attached PDF to find out more...

Contact H2oh! Entertainment now and add a touch of magic, wonder and fantasy to your wedding or civil partnership. Call Helen or Hannah on 07515 064 149/50 or email info@h2ohentertainment.com

For more information about this or any of other fantastic acts please visit their website www.h2ohonline.com

Champagne and Diamonds Reception at the Gherkin

2008-11-26T03:59:00.000-08:00

Partridge Events and Searcy have come together to bring you the perfect package. Hold an elegant wedding reception at London’s iconic Gherkin building, complete with amazing 360-degree views of the city. However, this is no ordinary wedding reception: On arrival each guest will be handed a glass of Champagne containing a sparkling gem, two of which are real diamonds waiting to be won by one of your guests...

Prices start at just £175 + vat per person. Contact Emma at Partridge Events on 0870 220 2175 or at emma@partridgeevents.co.uk and click here to check out their funky profile for more venue details.

Book Wedding Venue NOW and Save £££!

2008-11-20T02:36:00.000-08:00

Tired of the same old Bucks Fizz…Welcome to Shaker Weddings. A classic concoction of top performance bartenders who take great pride in every drink they serve; blended with functional, practical and aesthetically beautiful mobile bars, garnished with expertise, professionalism and above all flexibility. By far the best accompaniment to a dish as momentous as your wedding day!

Shaker takes the stress out of your wedding bar; providing a large range of house and premium spirits, bottled beers, fine wines and champagne. However cocktails are their specialty, their trained professional cocktail bartenders take pride in every drink that is served, using the very best ingredients and fresh fruits.

All of their packages are tailor made, from the colour of the bar, to the names of the cocktails! Their service is totally bespoke to fit in with your dream wedding!

They are large enough to entertain over 500 guests and small enough to care about those little things that they know can make your special day.

All you do is book, they do the rest!

Their special offer for 2009 weddings!

Book before 22nd Dec 2008 and only pay 2008 prices for any date in 2009!

Delicious Caterer Added to Funky Wedding Venues

2008-11-19T02:50:00.001-08:00

Rare

Organic & fine food catering for stylish corporate and private events. Services available are bespoke planning, full service or food and drink only.

Rare is registered to the Soil Association's foodservice & catering code of practice, so you know it's organic. Their produce encourages biodiversity, agricultural & culinary tradition, has a lower impact on the environment and pound for pound contains more nutrients. Rare create bespoke menus that are innovatively and stylishly created for each unique event. Rare also have one of the UK's finest selections of organic and biodynamic wines and beers available.

Great New Venues for Your Wedding!

2008-11-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

Beaconsfield

Character: Neo-classical school meets modern gallery.

Funky Features: Grand scale space with modern art installations.

Location and History

Housed in the former Lambeth Ragged School, Beaconsfield gallery has expertly preserved and used the architectural features of its original design. The building was erected between 1849-1851 by Henry Beaufoy and designed in the classical Doric style with a Victorian spin. Since its rejuvenation as a contemporary art space over a decade ago the gallery has gone from strength to strength, attracting homegrown and international artists and collaborations. Such innovation marks Beaconsfield out as a quality venue - a comfortable and cool venue in which to stage a wedding reception or engagement party.

Interior

The Lower space which spans the building’s ground floor entrance, makes a striking introduction to the venue. Designed to be both intimate and airy, the space fuses the existing features with contemporary and stylish design. Striking features such as four original cast iron pillars and an original stone floor are complemented by contemporary spotlighting and a simple and fully functional bar area.

The Arch space is a spacious tunnel of a room. The brick vault and the concrete floor give it a raw and durable feel. Providing over 130 square metres of floor space it can be adapted for a wide variety of events which require that hard-core urban setting.

For a grander event, you should consider the Upper space, situated at the top of the original iron staircase. This is Beaconsfield’s piéce de resistance. Original tiered wooden floorboards complement vast white walls and the eye is drawn to a porthole window at the top of the rear wall. This room is bathed in the light from a trio of arched windows.

Spaces for Hire

Beaconsfield Gallery offers three distinct spaces making it a thoroughly versatile hire venue. The intimate yet crowd-friendly layout of the Lower space makes it ideal for drinks receptions and soirées or it be hired as the anteroom for bigger affairs when the magnificent upper space is needed. This is frequently hired by discerning customers staging launches, conferences and corporate hospitality parties. The Arch space lends it.

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Adam Street Private Members Club

Character: Modern-classic private members’ club with atmospheric subterranean twist.

Funky Features: Set in an underground vault setting reputed to be the inspiration for Fagin’s den, eye-catching artworks, original builder’s graffiti from 1769, interior design by Anya Hindmarch’s interior design team ‘Found Associates’, vibrant red contemporary leather sofas.

Location and History

Adam Street is a private members’ club set in the beautiful vaults of an 18th century Robert Adam building off The Strand.

Interior and Space for Hire

The club is best suited to informal weddings. Adam Street are happy to assist in all aspects of planning your wedding or party and have put together the following basic details, which they hope will offer you some guidance during the planning stages. Please download the PDF for Further information. The maximum they can seat is 80.

Take a Look at the Latest Funky Weddings Newsletter

2008-11-13T02:17:00.000-08:00

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2008-11-07T02:39:00.000-08:00

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NEW AT FUNKY WEDDING VENUES - Syon Park, The Halkin and The Metropolitan

2008-10-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

SYON PARK
Brentford, Greater London

Interior and Spaces for Hire

Dying Gaul. It is the perfect summer setting for civil ceremonies for up to 120. After the ceremony guests are given the opportunity to walk through the ornate State rooms into the tranquillity of the inner courtyard, with its white and cream centre flowers and fountain, where they can relax with a glass of champagne whilst photographs are being taken.

The spectacular Great Conservatory was designed by Charles Fowler in the 1820s. This crescent shaped building is surmounted by a magnificent glass Dome and overlooks formal lawns and a fountain bearing statue of Mercury. It is here you would hold your seated reception up to 150 guests) followed by dancing beneath the glass dome through which the stars reflect giving the party a magical effect.

For winter weddings, Syon Park are now also able to offer use of the beautiful state dining room with its wooden floor for civil ceremonies: with its flickering candles, torchere lights and grand fireplace it makes a romantic setting for up to 50 guests.

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THE HALKIN
Knightsbridge, Central London

Character: Hotel and restaurant with stunning Belgravian views and private rooms, ideal for an intimate wedding celebration.

Funky Features: Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, Nahm, Conservatory Suites available for private hire, guests who choose to host their significant moments at the Halkin receive a complimentary overnight stay,

Location and History

Located a stones’ throw from Hyde Park Corner, The Halkin is perfect for couples looking for understated style and poised service, for an intimate wedding celebration.

Interior and Spaces for Hire

Guests can celebrate over an extraordinary culinary experience in Nahm, the only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant based at the Halkin. Nahm is available in its entirety or the adjacent Private Dining Room is equally popular for smaller groups. For less formal options, both Nahm and the Private Dining Room are available for Champagne and cocktail receptions along with mouth-watering Thai canapes.

Equally the Conservatory Suites enjoying stunning views over Belgravia, are perfect for pre-wedding get togethers with bruch-style and afternoon tea menus.

Guests who choose to host their significant moments at the Halkin receive a complimentary overnight stay, along with preferential rates for any friends and family wishing to extend the celebrations.

For more information on lunch and dinner menus, please visit http://www.funkyweddingvenues.com/index.php/venues/for-hire-london-uk/hotels/the-halkin.

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THE METROPOLITAN
Mayfair, Central London

Character: Legendary hotel, private members club and restaurant located in London's most stylish location

Funky Features: Based on Park Lane in Mayfair, Penthouse, with floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows, complimentary overnight stay for all guests hosting their wedding celebration, Late licence until 3am.

Location and History

The Metropolitan, based on Park Lane in Mayfair, is synonymous with legendary parties and stylish events, located within easy walking distance of Hyde Park Corner and Green Park.

Interior and Spaces for Hire

The sought after Penthouse offers a unique location for civil ceremonies. It is one of the three newly licensed spaces, which include the Met Space and the White Room.

Wedding celebrations or civil partnerships at the Met promise outstanding cuisine, a modern aesthetic that can be tailiored to each individual style and creative inspiration for; chic private dining, a glittering cocktail reception, afternoon de-light, or an evening reception and exclusive hire of the infamous Met Bar. Or, for those hiring the Met Space or the White Room, their celebrations need not end after dinner as private areas of the Met Bar can be secured to join in on the nightly fun.

All guests hosting their wedding celebrations at the Metropolitan will receive a complimentary overnight stay, along with preferential rates for friends and family wishing to extend the celebrations.

For more information on packages offered by the Metropolitan, visit funky wedding venues website

LaDanza - new venue at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

LaDanza - new venue at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

Character: Thoroughly modern and versatile blank canvas space

Funky Features: Airy conservatory style spaces, natural daylight, expansive wooden flooring.

History and Location

Originally a shoe factory, the building now has become a bright, modern studio. Studio LaDanza is a few steps away from Highbury & Islington tube station and a few stops away from Angel and Central London.

Interior and Spaces for Hire

Studio Ladanza’s greatest assets are the two large green-house style spaces, upstairs and downstairs which feature solid wood flooring, mirrors and changing facilities, skylights and corrugated glass roofing which brings full natural daylight into the building. It also provides a separate entrance and exit for disabled users of the venue.

Studio Ladanza makes excellent rehearsal and private tuition studio for all genres of performing arts, including health and fitness classes. It’s also ideal for holding all types of themed events and parties. Channel 5’s “Milkshake” recently used Studio LaDanza as a space for filming their children’s programme.

Offering 7 days availability in the two studios, Studio LaDanza also has a designated reception area as well as a separate coffee and lounge zone. This space can be transformed into a preparation and catering area.

The venue accommodates up to 160, has a permanent PA system and can provide security at the entrance for all events if required. The owners take a very open and welcoming attitude towards hiring independent caterers for your event but if you require help with ideas, for a caterer or florist, for example, staff will be more than happy to help.

The Music Room - featured venue at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

The Music Room - featured venue at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

Character: Sleek, contemporary space secreted in the heart of Mayfair.

Funky Features: The Music Room, its own website claims, is ‘London’s most secretive exhibition space’.

Location and History

Located on South Molton Lane in Mayfair, the venue is as central as it gets, two minutes from the glamour of Claridges, and the fashion shopping of Bond and South Molton Streets and Selfridges.

The Music Room is housed in an old 19th century grade II listed industrial works above the famous Gray’s Antique Market.

Interior

The classic, pared-down interior is full of natural daylight and thoroughly versatile. White walls and parquet flooring provide a backdrop which can be transformed to suit the needs of any wedding reception.

The spaces are kitted-out with all up-to-date facilities: air-conditioning, internet technology, Dmx lighting capacities and triple-glazing.

The white walls are repainted after every event so the interior always looks immaculate.

Integrated lighting systems created like theatre rigs and complete with precision black-out blinds, allow you to customise the ambience for your wedding receotion. As the lighting systems are load-bearing they can also be used for props during presentations or events.

Spaces for Hire

The main gallery has a capacity of up to 350 guests for a stand-up drinks party, and accommodates up to 150 for a sit-down meal. The second, smaller gallery can hold 50 standing, and 30 seated.

The Music Room has an in-house design team. Clients can provide their ideal room plan, then the design team will draw up a layout for approval. Catering is by the excellent Kai, who will tailor a menu to the needs of any event.

Visit us on Facebook as well today

2008-10-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hybrid - recommended suppliers for a host of London venues from the ornate and glamorous to the sleek and high spec.

2008-10-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

Hybrid - flower arrangement suppliers at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

About Hybrid

Hybrid create unique and stunning event and wedding flowers for every setting.

By mixing individual elements with a strong awareness of commercial and seasonal trends Hybrid clients receive tailor made floral designs which are anything but the predictable or the production line.

Niemierko - featured wedding planner at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

Niemierko - featured wedding planner at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

About Niemierko

Niemierko is one of London's premier Wedding Planners, founded by Mark Niemierko.
Niemierko specialises in weddings, civil partnerships and other social events such as baby showers, birthdays and anniversary parties for savvy and stylish couples who have high standards for their wedding day and other private events. Niemierko’s service includes a full range of wedding services tailored to each couples requirements.

Funky Mark

Tracy Sells, UK & International Photographer - featured supplier of www.funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

Tracy Sells, UK & International Photographer - featured supplier at www.funkyweddingvenues.com

About Tracy Sells – Photographer

Stylish, inspired photography for both personal and business clients who aspire to, and value, quality and luxury in all products, services and experiences.

Working in close partnership with businesses looking to promote their own products & services with strong, stylish and inspiring visual imagery, a collection of images is created in a signature style to reflect the brand and attract the target audience.

For the personal client, expect a magazine inspired ‘look and feel’ in a collection of stunning images, which capture the soul, feelings and emotions of your wedding. Photographs become art, using only the finest materials to create bespoke collections, individually and personally designed for you.

Cowley Manor new to www.funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

Cowley Manor new to www.funkyweddingvenues.com

Character: Rural retreat with subtle urban overtones; juxtaposing English heritage with stylish modern

Funky Features: Picture perfect garden landscape filled with pretty ponds and an elegant lake with a unique Victorian cascade. Early 13th Century church on-site with wedding license; ideal for an intimate wedding party. Award-winning C-side spa offering exclusive treatments, also housing a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Location and History

This beautiful building nestles in the idyllic Cotswolds; 10 minutes drive from Cheltenham. The onsite church, St Mary’s, enriches the character of the estate. The modern spa building, C-side, is separate to the main building and is sunk beneath the ground. It also contains both pools.

Interior and Spaces for Hire

The complete grounds and dining rooms are available for hire exclusively on request, and are suitable for private dinner parties or wedding receptions. The private dining room seats up to 16 and can be used as a separate children’s dining area. The main restaurant hold up to 60 guests on six round tables of 10 people. Expansive lush greenery and unique water features form the backdrop for a peaceful promenade or picturesque wedding photos. The bar and lounge are ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks, and there is the option to also hire the terrace. The terrace can hold up to 50 dining guests.

Cowley Manor uses as much local and organic produce as possible so all dishes are specially prepared with the rustic and rural nature of the Cotswolds in mind. In-house catering can also cater for specific requirements to accommodate weddings and private parties. There are fifteen rooms in the main house and fifteen in the stable block. Each room is individually designed and there is one ‘Best’ room available, which is ideal for the wedding couple.

Weddings and Cowley Manor are a natural fit. Guests can enjoy the scenic surroundings while the couple have pictures taken around the estate. Within the buildings, the warm atmosphere and romantic ambience created by the delicate use of lighting and richly coloured décor, enable this venue to maintain its allure all year round.

Hidden amidst classic English countryside, Cowley Manor juxtaposes modern living with English heritage. Your whole wedding experience could be delivered here; from the marriage service at St Mary’s Church to the wedding reception on the open terrace, and, finally relaxing in the C-side spa afterwards.

De La Warr Pavilion new to www.funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

De La Warr Pavilion new to www.funkyweddingvenues.com

Character: Exuberantly streamlined 1930s seafront Modernist masterpiece

Funky Features: Architectural showpieces include sweeping spiral staircase; airy restaurant and rooftop terrace, all overlooking lawns and the sea. Galleries with rotating programme of top quality art.
History and Location

Completed in 1935 to a design created by architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, the De La Warr Pavilion is a rare example of an early Modernist landmark in Britain. That such a landmark should have been constructed on the site of a former coastguard station in a small seaside town in Sussex owes almost everything to the man who gave the building his name. It was Earl ‘Buck’ de la Warr, the aristocratic socialist mayor of Bexhill on Sea who persuaded the local council to fund a competition to build a new entertainments pavilion in the seaside town in 1933. The competition was won by German architectural pioneer Erich Mendelsohn and his Chechen partner Serge Chermayeff.

The innovative welded steel-framed building which then housed conference halls, functions rooms, a library and a terrace restaurant, quickly established itself as a seminal building for forward thinking architects of the period, inspiring buildings including the Peter Jones department store in Chelsea. The pavilion – and the programme of entertainments and theatre - proved a success with the public too. After the war, when its military occupants included a young Spike Milligan, the De la Warr Pavilion enjoyed a golden period as a summer seaside entertainment venue and repertory theatre.

By the 1960s, however, thanks to the boom in overseas holidays and unsympathetic attempts at modification, the pavilion was already in serious decline. When the Rep theatre closed in 1975, the future looked bleak and by the early 1990s the De La Warr was looking shabby and neglected.

The building survived its dark days thanks to the preservation efforts of a series of local activists and fans including dedicated Modernist and Arts Council chairman, Peter Palumbo. In 1998, a major Lottery funded grant was agreed to restore the De La Warr Pavilion as a major exhibition and arts centre. The decision has been vindicated since the building re-opened in its new guise in October 2005. Under the directorship of Alan Haydon, the reborn De La Warr Pavilion’s adventurous programme of music, art, comedy has won consistently good critical notices – recent highlights include art shows by Nathan Coley and Jeremy Deller, the annual ‘Mid-century Modern’ furniture show, music from Marc Almond and Goldfrapp and comedy by Lee Evans and Harry Hill. The public meanwhile has voted with its feet, with annual numbers consistently exceeding a remarkable 600,000 visitors.
Spaces for Hire

The pavilion has a range of spaces available for a wide variety of events for small and large groups. The De La Warr provides an uplifting and unusual experience for wedding ceremonies in the auditorium through to grand wedding receptions on the roof terrace (with views of the sea and Beachy Head), to cabaret wedding breakfasts.

Auditorium: The auditorium has recently been licensed for weddings – the De La Warr is now offering an attractive wedding package - and is both large and versatile, French windows allowing access onto the seafront lawns for photographs and refreshments. The auditorium makes a striking and generous space and the stage accommodates even the most ambitious stage set. Capacity: 1,000 lecture/theatre style; 300, cabaret style. 6 dressing rooms, accommodating approximately 40.

Auditorium Foyer: As well as acting as a reception and refreshment area for the auditorium, the foyer is a useful and adaptable space in its own right for wedding receptions. Capacity: 50 (lecture style) 70 for receptions.

Pavilion Restaurant: The restaurant is on the first floor and features open air balconies with fine sea views and excellent food and wine with a strong emphasis on local produce. The Restaurant, Café Bar and Sun Parlour are all available for booking for receptions and parties. Capacity: Flexible but approx 250 for canape receptions, 150 for buffets, 100 for sit-down dinner and 80 for lunch/dinner during opening hours

Roof Terrace: With its superb seaside panorama with great view of Beachy Head to the west, the roof terrace makes a unique space to hold wedding receptions and performances. Marquees can be erected here. Hire also provides use of the Rooftop foyer. NB this space is open to the weather and is only suitable for children under supervision. Capacity: 250 people standing

Roof Terrace Foyer: Provides similarly superb views to the roof terrace but under cover. The foyer opens onto the De La Warr’s great focal point, the south staircase. It is ideal for small wedding receptions. Capacity: 60 for a reception

Catering: The De La Warr is proud of its fine quality food that puts the emphasis on locally sourced, fresh food. A typical lunch menu might include Wickham Manor Farm pork sausages with caramelised onion gravy or Rigatoni pasta, seasonal mushrooms, baby spinach with garlic cream sauce followed by warm chocolate cake with caramelised hazelnut cream.

The Roof Gardens new to funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Roof Gardens new to www.funkyweddingvenues.com

Character: Cool, serene, verdant and historic hideaway

Funky Features: Stunning Panoramas across the London skyline, exotic birds and flamingos, meandering stream, one and a half acres of landscaped gardens, funky fish tanks, DJ booth, Tudor Walkway, English Woodland Garden, Spanish fountain, dancefloor, state of the art facilities, roll-away screens, Moo Room with LED cow artwork, Damask mosaic in real silver, Babylon restaurant, Grade II listed building.

Location and History

Located a stone’s throw from High Street Kensington tube station, The Roof Gardens has been an exotic destination for over half a century. The dream of Trevor Bowen, the then Vice-President of Barkers and Ralph Hancock, a landscape architect, The Roof Gardens was laid out between 1936-8.

Over 500 species of plants, shrubs and trees were planted to create the horticultural splendour that visitors enjoy today. Since that time, the building has passed through several hands – with a special high point its seventies period when as roof garden of the Biba department store it was THE London destination. A spell as exclusive nightclub Regine’s followed until 1981, when Sir Richard Branson turned the Kensington Roof Gardens into the stunning urban oasis that it is today.

Interior / Exterior and Spaces for Hire

The Roof Gardens is one of the most versatile venues for hire in London in which to celebrate and say your vows to your loved one. The gardens offer stunning backdrops in which to toast an engagament on the Babylon terrace, feast on a wedding breakfast in the romantic Spanish gardens, BBQ under the Tudor Walkway or watch a romantic firework display from the English Woodland Garden.

High on the 7th floor, The Babylon Restaurant offers an amazing and beautiful dining and drinks reception experience with stunning panoramas across the London skyline and a menu including Dorset Crab and Morecambe Bay Shrimps, Seared Scottish Diver caught Scallops, with perhaps Roast Rumb of Herdwick Lamb or Roast Fillet of Cornish Grey Mullet.

The Club House has floor to ceiling windows making the most of the inspiring views across the gardens and London skyline. This is a cool wedding reception space and offers a perfect setting for dancing, dinners and live music events.

The main reception area features a dance floor, bar and DJ booth and is divided from the chilled-out lounge area by a curved retractable partition. The calm lounge space features floor to ceiling Damask mosaic in real silver, welcoming cushioned seating, a private bar and LED lighting. Both these spaces offer fresh and funky spaces for your an engagement or wedding party.

The Moo room is decked out with pink-patterned wallpaper, cowhide pouffes, and a high contemporary LED painting of a cow… ideal for use as a wedding changing room or private area for you and your wedding party.

Greenland St new to funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Greenland St new to funkyweddingvenues.com

Character: Inspiring industrial galleries rooted in history

Funky Features: In the heart of Liverpool’s old port area, pebbled courtyard, roof terrace boasting fantastic views, AV equipment, heritage building, furnace, industrial winches, exceptional natural light, original brickwork, and wood clad walls, Wifi.

Location and History

Located in the heart of Liverpool’s old port area and moments from the River Mersey, Greenland Street is a 15minute walk from the city centre and train stations and well serviced by various bus routes that stop nearby. There is ample street parking for cars and coaches. Directions and a map of how to reach Greenland Street can be provided for your guests.

In Autumn 2006, A Foundation launched Greenland Street – three former industrial buildings that have been transformed into inspiring and challenging gallery spaces while retaining their historic character and industrial heritage.
Interior and Spaces for Hire

Greenland Street comprises three-core buildings; The Coach Shed, The Furnace and The Blade Factory.

Reception: The spacious reception area acts as a hub for the building and contains a licensed Café/Bar where they serve hot and cold drinks, delicious cakes and sandwiches, wine and beer. Wireless internet access is also available. The reception is a flexible space, which can be used as a registration area, breakout space or for informal talks, networking events, lunches or dinners. Adjacent is a small, pebbled courtyard.

The Coach Shed: Until recently this warehouse was used as a garage for coaches, which gives some idea of its size. It now offers a large versatile space with wood clad walls and a concrete floor. The space contains two mezzanine floors as wells as a small green room. Wireless internet access is available. This is highly adaptable space, which can be used for a multitude of events.

The Furnace: This large ground floor space used to be where metal was melted for the blade factory next door. It still contains the furnace and industrial winches from its past life as well as the manager’s office. This is a truly unique industrial space of natural light and original brickwork.

The Blade Factory: The Blade Factory offers a series of open plan spaces on the ground floor and first floor as well as a roof terrace with fantastic views of the river and cathedrals. These more intimate spaces are ideal for events requiring different areas.

Licensing: Greenland Street is licensed for the sale and consumption of alcohol from 12pm-2am. They also have a license for live and recorded music.

Equipment: Greenland Street has a number of chairs and basic audio-visual equipment for hire. Their team of staff will be happy to work with you to source the necessary equipment that you need for your event, using our extensive contacts.

Catering: The café and bar can be open during your event to serve hot and cold drinks, alcohol, cakes and sandwiches. They can recommend caterers and are happy to work with any catering company to provide them with the space and access they need during your event.

Staff: Greenland Street will work with you to ensure that the appropriate number of event staff is on hand to look after your guests and ensure a safe and smooth running event.

Access: Greenland Street is fully accessible with the exception of the first floor and roof of the Blade Factory. Disabled amenities are available. Each building has a loading bay for deliveries.

The Groucho Club new to funkyweddingvenues.com

2008-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Groucho Club
new to funkyweddingvenues.com

Character: Exclusive but unpretentious West End media institution

Funky Features: Central Soho location, VIP entrance, contemporary artwork adorned walls, en-suite bedrooms, views over Soho, snooker table, entertainment centre, private cloakroom.

Location and History

Situated on Dean Street, The Groucho Club is equidistant from Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road and Piccadilly Circus, so it’s easily accessible by tube or bus.

The name of the club came from a Groucho Marx’s quip: “I don’t want to join a club that will accept me as a member”. The original board of The Groucho Club, included the two leading female publishers of our time, Liz Calder of Bloomsbury and Carmen Calil of Virago. From the start, The Groucho Club had to be somewhere different. The club quickly became the place for arts and media folk to go and has inspired a horde of imitators since it was founded in 1985.

Interior and Spaces for Hire

The Groucho Club has an invitingly relaxed feel which the manager is happy to characterise as ‘shabby-chic’. All rooms have a contemporary flavour with art on display featuring Marc Quinn, Mark Wallinger, Catherine Yass, Damien Hirst and Ian Davenport.

The Groucho Club has six function rooms available for exclusive private hire. Nineteen bedrooms mean that whatever event you are holding - wedding receptions, ceremonies or engagement parties - there will be somewhere for you and your guests to stay.

The slick Soho Bar has its own VIP private entrance and cloakroom and features a well stocked bar, artworks, a plasma screen, CD, stereo with ipod connection and internet. Capacity: 150 (Drinks)

The Dining Room features a dramatically vaulted glass ceiling and is a great space for a memorable reception. A connecting door leads to the Mary-Lou Room which can be hired in conjunction with this space. Capacity: 60 (Dinner), 100 (Drinks), 70 (Theatre)

Despite the magnificence of its domed ceiling, the Mary Lou room is an ideal space for intimate dinners, fine dining, wedding receptions and parties. Featuring its own bar and an Ian Davenport wall installation among other artworks, it makes an exceptional party backdrop. This room can be used in conjunction with the complete entertainment system. Capacity: 40 (Dinner), 60 (Drinks), 50 (Theatre)

The Mackintosh Room is a cream painted room with large windows overlooking Soho rooftops. It has a wall-mounted plasma screen, CD, stereo with iPod connection and laptop attachments. Perfect for luncheons or private dinners. Capacity: 20 (Dinner), 25 (Drinks), 25 (Theatre)

The Gennaro Room is a versatile ‘blank canvas’ space for media events or wine tasting. It includes a 40” HD Plasma Display, CD, Stereo with iPod Connection and laptop attachments. Capacity: 40 (Dinner), 70 (Drinks), 50 (Theatre)

The Snooker Room can be adapted into a dining space with the simple addition of a special top. It also features a plasma display, CD and laptop attachments.
Capacity: 18 (Dinner), 35 (Drinks)

The Club Room is a perfect private events room as it is partitioned off from the Soho Bar, comes complete with audio and Internet connection, ideal for engagement party drinks.
Capacity: 20 (Drinks)

Skilled chefs are on hand to cater to client needs and produce bespoke menus or offer a variety of canapés depending on requirements. The bartenders are renowned for cocktail recipes including ‘Fish House Punch’, featuring Myers Rum, Martel Noblige and Peach Brandy and the, ‘Bees Knees’, long drink, created with 42 Below Manuka Honey Vodka, Ginger Wine, Lime & Apple Juice and Fresh Ginger.

Altitude – Stunning views, stunning wedding reception venue

2008-09-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Altitude is on the 29th Floor in the heart of Westminster located at the top of one of London’s finest Skyscrapers. Looking down at and diagonally opposite the London Eye, Altitude boasts the best 360 views London has to offer. Only a short stroll away from Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament as well as Westminster and Pimilco tube stations, and on the River Thames directly opposite MillBank Millennium Pier.The interior has been completed to a high spec and boasts some amazing experiences, from the Banksy artwork to the astonishing “disappearing” glass wall. If you are looking at a having a stunning wedding reception than look no further as the views from this space will add the remarkable to your special day. It simply has to be seen to be truly appreciated. Contact the Altitude Team on 0845 500 2929.

Champagne and Diamonds wedding receptions at the Gherkin

2008-09-11T02:39:00.000-07:00

Partridge Events and Searcy have come together to bring you the perfect package. Hold an elegant wedding reception at London’s iconic Gherkin building, complete with amazing 360-degree views of the city. However, this is no ordinary wedding reception: On arrival each guest will be handed a glass of Champagne containing a sparkling gem, two of which are real diamonds waiting to be won by one of your guests...Prices start at just £175 + vat per person.

Contact Emma at Partridge Events on 0870 220 2175 or check out their funky profile for more venue details.

FunkyWeddingVenues.com - Groovy London Wedding Event Planning

2008-09-10T03:13:00.000-07:00

What it does – If you are lucky enough to be London-based and you’d like to add a bit of style and grooviness to your next event, check out the award winning Funky Wedding Venues for all your needs. The site caters to everyone from entertainment managers to everyday people who need help planning and hosting an event. From booking caterers and selecting the perfect venue to finding a DJ and other entertainment, the vendors listed at Funky Venues are pre-qualified using strict funky standards. The site is a well designed directory that places an emphasis on design, quality and fun while always striving to be unique and of high quality. To get started, search for what you are looking for by keyword, category or A-Z directory.
In their own words – “Funky Wedding Venues is an award-winning website dedicated to showcasing the most outstanding and hippest venues and suppliers you can hire. It brings together select locations and suppliers who service and organize events, big and small – from corporate functions to birthday parties.”

Why it might be a killer – London is a real center of cool and Funky Venues is a great site where people can go accessorize themselves when planning their next unforgettable party or event. The design of the site alone should ensure increasingly higher traffic.

Some questions – Will they be taking the concept and design of the site and transplanting it to other areas of the world? There are surely a few other urban areas that would appreciate this well-designed site and the types of services offered.

www.funkyeeddingvenues.com - Groovy London Wedding Event Planning

The proposal

2008-09-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

So your engaged and the two of you couldn't be happier, in fact you can't wait to tell your family and friends. They will, of course, be delighted for you and champagne corks will be popping all over the place. However if you were hoping to have some time to enjoy being engaged and hadn't quite got around to discussions about when and where the big day would take place, be warned this is all you are going to be asked until you can satisfy people with an answer.

Lucky for us, we are having one of the fastest turn around times imaginable with just five months between the proposal and the wedding (before you ask no I am not pregnant!) so things are very much in full swing here at wedding HQ. But before we go into the specifics I wanted to say something about individuality; In all the excitement and discussions with family and friends and the inevitable purchase of bridal magazines – the one thing you need to hold onto is that this is your day. You do not necessarily have to spend 15 – 20K (the average cost of a wedding), there are other options to getting married in white in a church and if you have a nut allergy sugared almonds are not mandatory!

If you have always dreamt of a big wedding and want to get married in church, go for it, but whatever you do – this is the single most important day for you as a couple – be yourselves.

I was at dinner with a very good friend the other day who went to ten weddings last summer, all of them beautiful, all of them very expensive, and she said they had simply blurred into one by the end of the summer. But panic not, you’re in the right place to find some of the best ways to make your day individual and memorial. Happy planning…

One of the most spectacular spaces for a wedding at the Barbican is the Conservatory

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One of the most spectacular spaces at the Barbican is the beautifully green Conservatory. A tropical, indoor oasis under a large glass roof it is home to over 2,000 species of plants, quail, finches and koi carp and offers a unique venue within the City for weddings and receptions.The Conservatory may be combined with the garden room with its stunning views for larger events and can also be used as a catering space. It is also especially suited for those weddings which have a ‘green’ agenda due to both the natural surroundings and the Barbican’s extensive environmental policies. For further information check out The Barbican. or contact Katherine Freeman | 020 7382 7246 |

Chelsea Physic Garden – London’s most secret wedding reception venue

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Located not far from the bustle of the famous shopping street of Kings Road, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden, a beautiful four-acre piece of living history. Founded in 1673 to train apothecaries in the healing arts, the Garden provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding reception.

From intimate receptions in the open Garden, to receptions held in the Marquee, Chelsea Physic Garden can accommodate up to 400 standing or up to 325 seated in the midst of its lush greenery.Contact them for more information about London’s best kept secret!

Numbers who can attend reception and/or service:

With Marquee: 325 Seated/400 Standing
In Reception Room: 70 Seated/120 Standing
In Lecture Room: 120 Theatre Style
Civil License: No

Contact Lisa Guastella – Events & Marketing Manager, , 020 7352 5646 Ext 3.

Don't forger to check out their Funky Profile

A favourable comment from a previous client:

“Thank you once more for a brilliant day at your enchanting venue. Everyone enjoyed it immensely, and complemented the warm atmosphere which no plush hotel could even have rivaled!”
- Claire Murphy/BP

Have a green wedding at Kew Gardens

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The world famous Kew Gardens offers a range of magnificent venues within beautiful surroundings to meet the needs of both daytime and evening weddings and wedding receptionsKew Gardens venues will not only met your needs, but you’ll also have the added bonus of enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Kew Gardens outdoor spaces.

Cambridge Cottage is an elegant, former royal residence, set within its own private gardens, Kew’s stunning Orangery is available for evening hire and is a perfect choice for corporate parties and gala dinners, The Victorian Temperate House, their flag-ship venue, allows guests to wine and dine among the tropical plants and tress from around the world, for an unforgettable experience that they’ll never forget.

Located on the Thames in West London, Kew is just 30 minutes from Central London and is ideally situated for both Heathrow Airport and the M4 motorway.
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has achieved the international ISO14001 accreditation for sustainability.

They their own environmental policy, which all approved suppliers have to sign up to.

Kew’s ultimate mission is to conserve plants, which are essentially the lungs of the earth as they absorb CO2 and produce Oxygen, thus helping to reduce Climate Change.

All profits made through venue hire goes towards Kew’s valuable plant conservation and life-saving scientific research across 80 countries throughout the world.

DEFINING UNIQUE & FUNKY VENUES FOR THE BRIDAL MARKET

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As the season for summer nuptials gets underway then what better time to toast the launch of Funkyweddingvenues.com to assist would-be life partners in choosing unique settings for the exchange of vows or the perfect location for the wedding breakfast.

Funkyweddingvenues.com launches in August 2008 with the unremitting purpose of promoting unusual, extraordinary, hip and funky wedding venues and essential suppliers for hire.

Funkyweddingvenues.com promises to be an indispensable one-stop shop bringing together select locations and suppliers who service and organise weddings, big and small – from intimate celebrations to lavish festivities. Plus of course stag and hen night ideas and honeymoon locations too!

Funkyweddingvenues.com marries with Funkyvenues.com, which launched in October 2006, and is the response to demand from its users for more unusual and unique wedding specific venues and suppliers available for hire in London and the UK.

Just like its predecessor, Funkyweddingvenues.com is a beautifully designed and engaging directory, with an emphasis on design, quality and fun which sets out to attract superior, distinctive venues and suppliers as members, and is committed to enforcing its invitation-only policy to maintain consistently high standards.

Funkyvenues.com attracts the most prestigious venues in the industry including 30 St Mary Axe “The Gherkin”, Altitude, Barbican, Bush Hall, Chelsea Physic Garden, ICA, National Theatre, RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre and Rich Mix plus funky suppliers including Young & Wild, The Amazing Tent Company, Euphoric Flowers and Continental Drifts.

For a full media pack with information for advertisers and rate cards for funky venues and suppliers please call 020 7735 9263 or email deirdre@funkyvenues.com.

Deirdre McGinnis
Funky Venues | 27b Tradescant Road | London SW8 1XD
T: 20 7735 9263 | M: 07757 649093 | F: 20 7735 5052 | E: deirdre@funkyvenues.com | funkyvenues.com

To join the Funkyvenues.com subscriber database for exciting bi-monthly updates as well as the Chance to Win a Magnum of U’Luvka Vodka! Click here to find out more http://www.funkyvenues.com/index.php/about/subscribe

For information about Funky Venues, please visit http://www.funkyvenues.com
Highly Commended, RSVP Awards 2007.

Introduction

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Hello everybody,

Let me introduce myself:

My name is Deirdre and I'm a founder of Funkyweddingvenues.com, which is an award-winning website dedicated to showcasing the most outstanding and hippest venues and suppliers you can hire. It brings together select locations and suppliers who service and organise weddings, big and small.

Funkyweddingvenues.com caters for everyone from professional wedding planners to brides-to-be and their mothers, and can help you to plan all aspects of your big day – from finding the perfect location through booking caterers to sourcing entertainment. Membership of the Funky roster is by invitation only.

Selected Funkyweddingvenues.com reviews are edited by David Redhead, a highly experienced editor and writer and current Editor of V&A Magazine. FunkyWeddingvenues.com appeals to the design-conscious bride and wedding planner. We work with only the best locations and venues, ensuring nothing on your day is left to chance.

Launched in August 2008, Funkyweddingvenues.com is the wedding venues counterpart of the Hip Hotels brand. The beautifully designed and engaging directory, with an emphasis on design, quality and fun, sets out to attract superior, distinctive wedding venues and suppliers as members, and is committed to enforcing its invitation-only policy to maintain consistently high standards.

Thank you,

Deirdre